Tourism is an important economic sector for the countries of the South Caucasus and is a viable entry point for building regional collaboration, cooperation, and stability. It has the potential to improve the livelihoods of rural, urban, and peri-urban communities across multiple economic strata. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism contributed 12.7% of the GDP for the region. However, countries suffered severe impacts from the pandemic with tourism falling by more than 83% by 2021. While a post-COVID recovery is underway, regional geopolitical dynamics have also impacted the tourism sector.

USAID’s South Caucasus Regional Tourism Program aims to promote long-term regional cooperation across the South Caucasus region, based on shared economic interests in the tourism sector that contribute to mutual prosperity, collaboration, and stability in the region. The program seeks to work collaboratively with the private sector, civil society actors in support of tourism development, and tourism development related government ministries and agencies, including ministries of economy and environment, while serving as a model for cross-border engagement among other economic sectors. 

The South Caucasus Regional Tourism Program identifies opportunities for product development and innovative marketing, develops regional multi-day itineraries to promote tourism, and facilitates mutual learning to foster best practices in the tourism sector.

Position Description 

As a pivotal member of the South Caucasus Regional Tourism Program team, the Country Manager for Armenia will operate under the direct supervision of the Chief of Party (COP). They will play the important role of spearheading the program's initiatives within Armenia, engaging in weekly Activity Team meetings to ensure cohesive communication, collaborative learning, and strategic adapting (CLA). The Country Manager will be instrumental in forging and nurturing partnerships with local tourism stakeholders, working collaboratively to implement and refine actions aimed at enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the tourism sector. Leveraging their expansive network, the Country Manager will actively promote the program, fostering strong relationships with potential partners, and spearheading the program’s learning and adaptive management efforts. Additionally, they will be responsible for overseeing the monitoring, and management of grant activities, ensuring they align with the program's objectives and deliver impactful results.

• Manage relationships and activities in Armenia
• Oversee activities involving Armenian partners
• Establish a Private Sector Advisory Group, made up of key private sector tourism companies in Armenia
• Work with the Private Sector Advisory Group to identify Tourism Product Networks (TPN) and Tourism Support Networks (TSN) that will increase competitiveness of tourism in Armenia and the South Caucasus Region
• Recruit the participation of public and private sector tourism stakeholders to join and participate in the Tourism Product Networks (TPN) and Tourism Support Networks (TSN) developed through the program
• Identify 5 leaders/representatives of each Tourism Product Networks (TPN) and Tourism Support Networks (TSN) to guide the network activities
• Organize in-person and online meetings for each network to facilitate dialogue and identify priority actions to increase tourism competitiveness of the network and its members
• Identify opportunities for collaboration across the industry and networks
• Assist each network co-create grant applications for program funding
• Oversee technical activities of grantees as assigned by the COP
• Manage the delivery of technical assistance to private sector enterprises through local business service providers and building business service providers’ capacity to deliver cutting edge consulting methodologies
• Assist the COP in maintaining relationships with counterparts, donors, and stakeholders in Armenia
• Ensure project staff integrates gender, youth, and social inclusion (GYSI) into all activities in Armenia
• Serve as a translator where necessary in meetings with the Chief of Party and international tourism experts
• Collaborate with the program’s Georgia Country Manager and Azerbaijan Country Manager to promote regional initiatives and networks 
• Lead and facilitate communication and cooperation with Georgian, Azerbaijani, and Armenian private sector entities
• Support the COP in the development of annual work plans and all program reporting and monitoring

• Extensive background in the field of tourism, encompassing hands-on involvement in the industry and participation in tourism development programs supported by donors.
• Established connections and affiliations within Armenia's private sector related to tourism. 
• Familiarity with both public administration in the tourism sector and the management of cultural heritage, backed by practical experience or connections.
• Adept in project management, demonstrating proficiency in strategic planning and the ability to engage in collaborative, adaptive learning. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills, inclusive of facilitation capabilities.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to lead and motivate people toward project objectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable tourism practices and community engagement.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, ensuring efficient management of project timelines and deliverables.
• Effective communication skills in both spoken and written English and Armenian.

WORK LOCATION:

The primary work location will be remote in Armenia, with occasional travel within Armenia and to Georgia. 

DURATION:

The position will begin early January 2024 – September 2026.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Eligible applicants are required to complete and submit through email all the below documents to be considered for the position. 

1.     A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that demonstrates how the applicant’s qualifications meet the job qualifications.
2.     A CV or standard resume 
3.     Names of three professional references, including at least one current/former supervisor. This information may be included in the cover letter or resume/CV.

To apply, please send application to Micah Sorum, Senior Project Manager at [email protected].